Cafe Slavia opened in 1884 facing the National Theatre. Smetana and later Havel were regulars; the Art Deco room overlooks Prague Castle and is best at sunset with absinthe.
Tip: Sit on the river side; the Drinker of Absinthe painting hangs above the bar.
Address: Smetanovo nabrezi 1012/2, 110 00 Praha 1, Prague
Onesip Coffee is a 12-seat counter in the Old Town pouring Candy Cane Coffee, the partner roastery the same owners built. A standing espresso city stop, not a workspace.
Signature drink: Candy Cane espresso
Tip: Order the daily filter and chat with the barista; takeaway crowd peaks at lunch.
Kavarna Adria sits on the first floor of the Adria Palace, overlooking Jungmann Square. The bright cafe-restaurant runs a calm midday crowd, full kitchen and proper espresso program.
Signature drink: Filter coffee
Tip: Take the corner table by the window for the best square view.
Muj Salek Kavy translates as my cup of coffee. The Doubleshot-run room in Karlin was Prague's first serious specialty cafe, serving breakfasts and changing single-origin pours.
Signature drink: Doubleshot espresso
Tip: Reservations save the day at brunch; the breakfast plate is the kitchen's tightest.
EMA Espresso Bar is Prague's tightest counter-only specialty coffee chain. The Florenc original near the bus terminal opened in 2013 with a Kees van der Westen machine and standing room.
Signature drink: EMA filter
Tip: Pour-overs come from rotating roasters; sit at the window if you need to type.
Onesip Coffee is a 12-seat counter in the Old Town pouring Candy Cane Coffee, the partner roastery the same owners built. A standing espresso city stop, not a workspace.
Signature drink: Candy Cane espresso
Tip: Order the daily filter and chat with the barista; takeaway crowd peaks at lunch.
Misto in Bubenec sits opposite the Doubleshot roastery and works as both a breakfast cafe and an open-source coffee bar. Tight bakery program, weekend brunch, calm laptop room.
Signature drink: Doubleshot filter
Tip: Sunday brunch is a real meal; the egg dishes are the kitchen's strongest.
Cafe Letka pulls Letna's neighbourhood crowd for breakfast and a working morning. Bright shabby-chic room near Letenske namesti, oatmeal and egg dishes done well.
Signature drink: Espresso with milk
Tip: Lemonades are house-made; the wellness breakfast carries you to dinner.